All The News that is fit to EAT!

There's a difference

For years, we've been reading about the difference in conventional meats and grass-fed meats. Well, the NY Times has recently published an article on that very thing. Milk is included in the article.

According to the NY Times, organic meats and milk are 50% higher in omega 3 fatty acids than the conventionally raised products. The article goes on to say that the nutritional value may not be different, but consumers are more concerned with the way the animals are raised. The life of the animal and avoiding pesticides could be the determining factor of what consumers buy.

While it hasn't been officially determined if grass fed/organically raised animals are better for the consumer's health, the fact that omega 3 fatty acids are more prevalent in grass than grain says something. Also, when the USDA revamped the dietary guidelines in 2010, people were urged to eat more seafood, which is rich in omega-3.

One of the doctors, Carlo Leifert, a professor of ecological agriculture at Newcastle University in England and leader of an international team of scientists who performed the review, cited studies that suggest that, "infants of mothers who ate organic fruits and vegetables were less likely to contract some diseases." He is currently conducting experiments to see if organic foods cause rats to be healthier. Pesticide residue has a, "measurable effects on the rats’ hormones." He says that pesticides definitely have an effect on hormonal balance and that makes you think.

So, even the mainstream media is picking up on the differences in conventional and organic. There's still a long way to go, but the little guys are gaining ground. Keep voting with your fork. Know your farmer and their practices.

As for markets, we will mostly be around the farm this week. We will be making a donation to Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary this week. Also, we are stocking the freezers and delivering to Augusta and Athens Locally Grown.